MoH renews partnership with Fitness Zone

THE Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday renewed its ‘win win’ partnership with Fitness Zone through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony to continue working together on MOH’s Healthy Lifestyle Clinic programme and Physical Activities programme. The event took place at Fitness Zone Kiulap.

The partnership between MoH and Fitness Zone has been in the running for five years, with more than 2,000 individuals participating in the Healthy Lifestyle Clinic programme. The programme helps individuals lose weight based on practising a healthy lifestyle, such as through eating healthy food, exercise and fostering a positive mindset.

The programme has helped many individuals lose an average of one to two kilogrammes a month, or five to 10 per cent of their original body weight, within 12 weeks. The success rate for the 2014 cohort is more than 40 per cent.

Wu Chun and Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila in a group picture with the officials from Fitness Zone and the Ministry of Health. – PHOTOS: JAMES KON

Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila, during an interview with media, highlighted, “The partnership between MOH and Fitness Zone has made our programmes better. Fitness Zone, with its expertise and facilities, can help MOH to improve the effectiveness of the programmes.”

Wu Chun added, “The important fact is that the participants change their lifestyle by working hard and exercising, and continue on with the programme themselves.

“I hope that the participants will also influence their friends or family members to practice a healthy lifestyle by spreading the news on its benefits. One of the new focuses this year is that we will teach participants to cook more healthy dishes.”

With an increasing number of people practicing a healthy lifestyle, Wu Chun hopes that it will reduce the burden of healthcare cost on the country and reduce cases of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila also cited His Majesty’s 2015 new year’s titah, whereby His Majesty raised concerns on obesity and pointed out that the level of health in Brunei is still worrying, mentioning that there has been instances where children under the age of five have been found to be obese. This may be caused by, among others, inadequate intake of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. She also hopes to increase the level of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in promoting a healthy lifestyle.